India’s beloved “chai” gets a moment of global recognition! The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally acknowledged the health benefits of tea, adding a touch of pride to our every sip. From its rich flavors to its soothing properties, Chai has been a a cultural symbol and a daily ritual for India for centuries. Now, this cultural nectar gets its due on the world stage. So, lets brew our chai, savor the moment, and celebrate this well-deserved recognition!

What FDA Said About ‘Chai’

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially recognized tea as a healthy beverage. On December 19, the FDA had issued a rule to update the “healthy” nutrient Content claim to help the consumers identify foods that are particularly useful as the foundation of a diet that is consistent with the dietary recommendations. It had officially said that the tea from the Camelia sinensis plant is a healthy beverage. This historic decision has a global impact on the tea industry, particularly for major producing countries like India.

This news will greatly benefit a country like India, which is a large tea producing and consuming country in the world. Camellia sinensis is mainly grown and processed in China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka. Camellia sinensis is the botanical name of the tea plant from which our everyday tea is made. However, the FDA also stated that the ‘healthy’ claim does not apply to herbal teas made from other plants such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, lavender, hibiscus, butterfly pea flower, or masala tea.

India’s oldest tea producer groups, the Indian Tea Association (ITA) and the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), have hailed the FDA’s decision, calling it significant news for the Indian tea industry.

What is Camellia Sinensis tea?

According to The Assam Tribune, Camellia sinensis var. assamica is widely cultivated across Assam. Reports suggest that Camellia sinensis is native to East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, but is now grown globally in tropical and subtropical regions. In Assam, Camellia sinensis var. assamica is particularly common throughout the state. The Assam Tribune reported that Bidyananda Barkakoty, Adviser of the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) and former Vice Chairman of the Tea Board of India, stated that the Indian government should officially promote tea as a healthy lifestyle and wellness beverage.